Tensioning device



Jan. 3, 1939. w. E. HOCKERT 2,142,608

7 TENSIONING DEVICE Filed Sept. 14. 1956 WEHoC/ceri INVENTOR v ATTORN EV Patented Jan. 3, 1939 UNITED, STATES,

PATENT oFFic TENSIONING DEVICE Walter E. Hockert, Sutherland, Iowa Application September 14, 1936, Serial No. 100,726

1 Claim.

This invention relates to tensioning devices for thread, yarn and like material, for use in Crocheting, knitting and the like, and its general object is to provide a tensioning device of that character to be worn upon the finger of the user, to receive the material for holding the same against casual removal therefrom and under proper tension at all times, thus eliminating the necessity of winding the thread about the finger,

l0 and the usual strain and other disadvantageous features as a result thereof, and the device facilitates the making of uniform and perfect work with minimum efiort and in an easy and expeditious manner.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tensioning device, that is self-adjustable to the size of the finger when applied thereto so as to snugly fit the same, and is adjustable to vary the tension in accordance with the particular type or size of material used, as well as for different kinds of Work.

A further object of the invention is to provide a tensioning device for disposal on a finger of the user, that will not interfere with a ring worn thereon.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a tensioning device that can be readily threaded, is simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture and extremely eflicient in operation, use and service.

This invention also consists in certain other features of construction and in the combination and arrangement of the several parts, to be hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawing and specifically pointed out in the appended claim.

In describing the invention in detail, reference will be had to the accompanying drawing wherein like characters denote like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, and

in which:

Figure 1 is a view illustrating my tensioning device applied to a finger of the user.

Figure 2 is a top plan view of the device per se.

Figure 3 is a side view partly in section.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view illustrating a modified form of securing means for the device.

Referring to the drawing in detail, the reference numeral l indicates the supporting body so or finger receiving member of the device, and

which is shown as being of substantially U- shaped formation with rounded arms 2 which terminate at their free ends in outwardly directed hook portions'3, for the purpose of receiving resilient means, such as a rubber band 4, as shown in Figure 2, or a coil spring 5 shown in Figure 4, for securing the body snugly about the finger, as will be apparent, it being understood that the body is formed from some light Weight resilient material, so that the band 4, or 5 spring 5 will draw the arms toward each other in fitting association with the finger.

Formed on or otherwise secured to the bight portion of the body I and preferably centrally thereof is a frame which includes what may be 10 termed right angle bracket members 6 and 1 formed on and extending from the opposite sides of the body, as best shown in Figure 3, and arranged to provide parallel arm portions 8 and 9. The portion 8 is longer than the portion 9 and 15 has disposed therein an opening to receive one end of a shaft l0, while the opposite end of the the shaft is mounted in an opening in the parallel portion 9, the latter end of the shaft having a collar II thereon for disposal against 20 the parallel portion 9 for fixedly securing the shaft with respect to the frame.

The portion 8 terminates in an inwardly directed right angle bent free end 12 having a notch or slot l3 extending therethrough, for the 25 purpose of slidably receiving a stud [4 that is formed on the outer end of the tension block I5, which is provided with an opening to receive the shaft H], for slidably mounting the block IE on the shaft, as will be apparent upon inspection 30 of Figure 3. The block is held under tension with respect to the parallel portion 8, through the instrumentality of a coil spring it that has one end convolution engaged with the block, and its opposite end convolution engageable with an 35 adjusting nut I! that is threaded on the shaft; therefore it will be obvious that the tension of the block can be varied through the medium 'of the nut.

where it is held under tension, yet can be readily drawn therethrough, in the course of knitting, 5o crocheting or the like.

It is thought from the foregoing description that the advantages and novel features of the invention will be readily apparent.

It is to be understood that changes may be 55 provided with a notch opening therethrough, a block slidably mounted on the shaft and cooperating with the latter arm portion to receive.

the thread between the same, a stem on the block and detachably mounted in the notch for slidable movement therein, a nut threaded on the shaft, and a coil spring surrounding the shaft and engaged with the nut and the block for urging the block toward the arm portion to set up a tension against the thread.

WALTER E. HOCKERT. 

